Following the enthusiastic response to last year’s inaugural event, the Get Onboard Boat Expo – Brisbane returned once again for an exciting encore last weekend in Brisbane’s bayside suburb of Manly.  

Hosted in collaboration with Yachtshare, Freedom Boat Club Brisbane, and the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS), the only boat show held in Brisbane took place amidst crowds of spectators enjoying the on and off-water exhibitors on the spectacular grounds of Queensland’s largest marina and MIA Club of the Year.

This vibrant, community-focused event offered an engaging alternative to larger-scale boat shows by enabling visitors to not only board but relax and enjoy time aboard each one and making a day of the renovated Bistro hospitality.

“Sanctuary Cove is a major event, but we’ve found that smaller expos with the ability to go our cruising on the water creates deeper engagement,” said Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron CEO Karen Baldwin . “By hosting multiple events each year—in Winter and Summer —we hope to grow a more connected and confident boating community across Brisbane.”

Designed to inspire both seasoned mariners and curious newcomers, hundreds flooded the lawns to sample boats ranging from inshore fishing boats, motor cruisers, sailing and power catamarans and ocean-going sailing yachts.  Ashore showcased smaller watercraft and complementary businesses in the marine industry.

The Get Onboard Boat Expo remains free to attend, and exhibitor fees are kept to a minimum to encourage wide participation. Expressions of interest from marine brands, sailing schools, gear suppliers, and boating businesses are now open for the Summer event to be held in November 2025.

“The number of attendees doubled since our first Expo last year and we expect the same again for the Summer edition in November”, says Anton Prange, Managing Director of Yachtshare. “There has been over $3 million in product sold, which makes it a huge success for exhibitors and is evidence that Brisbane’s love of boating continues.”